Many are seeing value in adding employee stretching programs to help fill the gap between the workers and what can be done ergonomically to protect them. Are you prepared? Protect. Dynamic stretching, according to Kurz, "involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both." If a company does not make a stretching program mandatory and only selectively implements the program for selected departments, the true impact of the program on injury and illness rates cannot be determined. Not flexible? Studies show stretching at work can make us more refreshed and productive in our jobs. Don’t hold your breath. Communicate the program to all members of the team. These mini stretch breaks can help clear your mind for the tasks ahead and release stress, at least temporarily, from your day. These injuries are preventable with a work-readiness program that includes stretching. Furthermore, given how quickly circumstances can evolve, EHS team members may need to leverage virtual briefings and information-sharing technologies to help document and quantify safety issues, risks and non-conformance situations in real-time. The costs of implementing a workplace stretching program are related to program development and implementation. These responsibilities include addressing logistical challenges to ensure PPE is supplied and available at all pertinent sites. The California ergonomic standard is triggered when a workplace has two or more cumulative trauma injuries as identified by a medical professional. These include situations facing food and other manufacturing industries, warehousing and distribution, among other sectors. This mini program gives you a taste of the full Beginner’s Stretching Program. You’ll need these six core elements to successfully implement a workplace stretching program: Program guidance and leadership support; Work Readiness Coaches; Program Rollout and Marketing Plan; The Right Warm-up Stretching Protocol Effectively Implemented; Review and Continuous Improvement; Passion, Enthusiasm and Perseverance (Most Important) 1. This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. These workers typically are exposed to manual materials handling and strenuous working positions. Implementing a Successful Stretching Program When implementing a stretching program, there are three key elements to consider: Leadership buy-in and support; … Knowing this, it isn't any wonder that environmental, health and safety (EH&S) professionals are looking for new methods to help prevent WMSDs, and employee stretching and flexibility programs have gained such popularity. Participation in the stretching program was not man-dated; however, employees were expected to be present during the stretching routine because the group also discussed work-related issues because workers were “on the clock.” The therapist and nurse practitioner Need some tips for conducting an incident investigation at work after there’s been an occupational injury or illness, or maybe even a near miss? Musculoskeletal injuries include sprains and strains, overexertion, soft tissue injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. As with any training in the workplace, there's a cost, and the cost has to be justified by a benefit or return on investment. The impacts of an ill-conceived and hastily implemented program can result in significant bottom line corrosion and possibly further injuries for employees. With fewer resources at facilities and reduced staff to manage risks associated with a dynamic operating environment, automated processes not only help ensure compliance, but also allow the EHS professional to refocus priorities to address elevated health and safety risks at individual facilities as changes are made to their operations. Subscribe to EHS Today Magazine to receive leading coverage of the EHS industry. JOB SITE STRETCHING EXERCISES. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of methods of performing incident investigations to lead you through your next steps. Most advocates of stretching programs recommend PNF stretching, which allows the muscle to be stretched to a greater degree by increasing the proprioceptor signals through a 5- to 10-second voluntary muscle contraction followed by a 5- to 10-second voluntary muscle relaxation. These meetings typically were held in person so all risks could be discussed and prioritized, and any related remedial actions could be implemented on a coordinated, programmed basis. Morning warm-up exercises conducted with construction workers, for example, can be beneficial for increasing or maintaining joint muscle flexibility. Some employees might refuse to participate or won't participate because of religious reasons. One type of injury that is subject to high costs is strains or soft tissue injuries, sometimes called musculoskeletal disorders. Injuries not only cause pain and suffering for employees, they also have direct and indirect (hidden) costs. Helpful logs, effective tips, and much more to help you stay on track! The company reported positive For a stretching program to be effective, workers have to participate at least 2 to 3 days per week with a time commitment for each session of 5 to 10 minutes. Hold stretch for at least 20 seconds and repeat with right knee. OSHA’s Form 300A posting deadline is February 1! As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have widespread impacts on governments, communities and employers throughout the U.S. and around the world, EHS professionals bring critical skills and expertise their organizations need to keep employees and customers as safe as possible as they navigate the various challenges the pandemic presents. Over the years, EHS professionals have often been the catalyst to bringing about greater collaboration among team members from various functions in all types of work environments. Many experts agree that static stretching, where the muscle is stretched and held, is simpler to perform and also is very effective as a choice for most workplace stretching programs. Work Stretching Programs and OSHA The pandemic has made it critical for EHS professionals to take a more proactive role in driving this process. This should support your ergonomics efforts as well as promote employee health and well-being. Although EHS professionals play a central role in these critical initiatives, the development and implementation of effective health and safety programs that address evolving needs require close coordination with multiple functions and disciplines. You only have to follow the guidelines and implement them to make your body stretchable and potential. The three common types of stretches are proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), static and isometric. Companies seeking to implement stretching or ergonomic programs need to ensure that they have appropriate instructors for the programs, and the exercises or stretches must be tailored to the duties of workers. It never demands you to do a lot of workouts or exercises. (B) Exhale as you hinge forward from your hips (without rounding your back) and place your palms on the ground. As these plans are updated to address the operational changes, regional pandemic outbreaks and other circumstances, EHS needs to be a key part of the planning team to make sure any adjustments in planning consider COVID-19 appropriate health and safety precautions. Meanwhile, EHS professionals also may be summoned to play a key role in helping assess and adjust their enterprise’s response to catastrophic events, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods and earthquakes. However, the scientific data on the true effectiveness of workplace stretching programs is in doubt. Regardless of whether they and their colleagues are able to work on-site with ready access to their employer’s facilities or must work remotely, EHS professionals can continue to have a measurable impact on their organization’s ability to deal with the effects of COVID-19 on their enterprises. 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